What is Your Dog or Cat Trying to Tell You?

Since dogs and cats can’t speak the way people talk to each other, they try to share their feelings using their bodies and voices. Here are some pictures of dogs and cats. Look at their bodies. Can you tell how each one is feeling?

The face alone tells the story. But if you look closer, you’ll see all of the stay away signs - the hair and tail are raised and bristled, legs are stiff in stance and ears are pointed up and forward.

This is one angry dog. You should never approach an angry dog.

Sometimes life is scary and this dog does not feel safe. With the tail tucked between the legs or held low and slightly wagging, paw raised, ears down, and sad eyes says that space is needed.

This is a scared dog. You should never approach a scared dog.

You always want to ask before approaching a dog, but after getting permission, you could pet this furry friend. The dog’s tongue is out, tail is up and wagging, ears are up, but not at attention and the body is relaxed.

This is a happy dog. You may approach this dog if he or she is with a guardian and you ask permission.

Hissing and howling are two sure signs that a cat wants her space. But, you can also tell by looking at the whiskers, flattened ears, round eyes, bristled hair and swishing tail.

This is an angry cat. You should never approach an angry cat.

Crouching, bristled hair and flattened ears are a sure sign that a cat is scared. If you get really low, the cat might start to relax.

This is a scared cat. You should never approach a scared cat. You should always let a scared cat come to you.

To let people know that they can safely approach, this kitty has a loose stance, may be purring or meowing, with ears up and forward and holding the tail high.

This is a happy cat. You may approach this cat if you ask the guardian for permission.